Pablo Muñoz; Douglas Rangel Goulart; Sergio Olate; Márcio de Moraes; Pablo Navarro & Rodrigo Fariña

Summary

Facial asymmetry is relatively common, but it becomes a disease when condylar hyperplasia is involved. The purpose of this investigation was to describe and compare the morphological characteristics of hyperplastic condyles to their non-hyperplastic contralateral side. Fifteen subjects aged between 14 and 29 years with facial asymmetry and diagnosed with unilateral condylar hyperplasia were studied using cone-beam computerized tomography. Linear measurements were taken of the condylar morphology on the sagittal and coronal planes, establishing the size of the articular fossa, mandibular ramus, and other aspects. Sagittal condylar measurements showed significant differences (p=0.028) between the groups (hyperplastic side v/s non-hyperplastic side); ramus measurements showed significant differences (p=0.034) between the two sides. No significant differences were observed (p=0.155) in the relation of the mean lateral distance (coronal image) of hyperplastic and non-hyperplastic condyles. It can be concluded that there is an increase in the size of the hemimandible and TMJ on the hyperplastic side, although research with a greater number of patients is needed to establish a more precise trend.

KEY WORDS: Facial asymmetry, condylar hyperplasia, facial deformity

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